The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has led Hollywood industry organisations in calling for the release of jailed Iranian film-makers.
Six independent documentary makers whose films have appeared on BBC Persian TV were arrested in September.
Actress Marzieh Vafamehr has been imprisoned and sentenced to 60 lashes for being in a film critical of Iran.
The groups have also condemned the continued house arrest of Jafar Panahi for making a film about Iranian unrest.
BBC Persian TV, which can be accessed through satellite TV, is aimed at Farsi speakers, mainly in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
